Entries in Birth Control
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Photo Courtesy - Getty Images(VATICAN CITY) -- Excerpts of a new book by the pope contain what could herald a sweeping change in one aspect of church teachings.

Saturday's issue of the Vatican newspaper contains excerpts in which Pope Benedict says that for male prostitutes, condom use could help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.

The church's centuries-long prohibition of contraception is unchanged officially by the writings. The pope suggests that condom use may be a solution for people like male prostitutes, for whom contraception is not an issue.

Last year Benedict created a stir by telling journalists in Africa that condoms could actually increase the spread of disease and should not be used. In the excerpts printed Saturday, he is quoted as saying condom use for some could be a "first step toward moralization."